Welcome to the week of requests, which is looking like it will be a week and a half of requests, due to my post-Labor Day late start, and the number of really excellent queries you lobbed my way. I thought we’d start with loafers, because a few of you were interested in them, and they’re nicely autumnal. I think these tasseled Doc Martens are pretty spiff, and these are quite similar but have a black sole.
This one from Everlane comes in a multitude of colors, but I like the idea of a poppy red.
This fuzzy pair is splurgetastic, but too excellent to be ignored.
And I like these in army green, and think they’d be a slightly cooler—and equally versatile—alternative to black.
This loafer pump is eminently office-worthy.
The elegant hardware here reminds me of Gucci.
I’m not quite certain why, but I’m fond of the slightly orthopedic feel of the white sole on these Hush Puppies.
This grey pair looks a whole lot more expensive than it is.
These look like very modern pilgrim shoes in a way that weirdly appeals.
Another Gucci-esque pair, but at a very nice price.
Classic Sperrys get a stylish update in pale pink.
And finally: I think the hardware here is really cool.
Thank you, thank you, thank you!
I live in loafers at office.
I usually buy 2 pairs every fall.
Great start to request week!
I have to say I do love a loafer. I have been contemplating a Doc Marten loafer that I found in the kid’s dept. at Nordstrom (for some reason Doc Marten stopped making shoes/boots in my size hence the kid’s dept). I think this post puts me over the edge toward the ordering side of things instead of the contemplating side of things.
Those black Gucci-esque ones with the elegant hardware midway down the page are by Sam Edelman, I bought a pair for my daughter last summer. Can highly recommend and endorse, she says they are very comfortable and she’s gotten compliments on them from patients. I see they now come in a whole lot of patterns too.
I’ve got those in the slide version, Lisa, and they’re good!
Query to all: Every time I wear loafers I get a blister at the top of my heel where the shoe meets skin. Any ways around this? Its seriously every pair. Also, socks for these? Yay or nay?
Christina, I have found heel cushions like this to work for me: https://www.amazon.com/Dr-Scholls-Comfort-Cushions-Women/dp/B01M4OZ94W/ref=zg_bs_3780111_21?_encoding=UTF8&refRID=MPK85JY1JPY1VHG2Y76Q&th=1
It lifts my heel up just a smidge to where the curve in my heel now hits the back of the shoe at a little different angle and it no longer rubs. This usually happens to me with sneakers and it’s saved me a good deal of money. It’s much cheaper to buy these than get new sneakers.
Christina, I have a similar issue with loafers or flats “bitting” into my skin at the top of my heel when the shoe bends in too much. I know at Nordstrom if you have this issue they will take the shoe to the back and stretch it just a bit so that no longer happens. I also wear “pedi” socks or “sock liners” instead of being barefoot. Had an issue with those as well before I learned it’s all about the fit which I solved by buying super small ones. AND, if that isn’t enough info, at some Nordstrom store shoe counters they sell these tiny little pads that go on the back of the shoe heel to help prevent blisters. I think Dr. Scholls also makes these that you can find at most drug stores.
A bit of moleskin (found in the bandaid or shoe pad section of the drug store) cut to fit for the back of the heel helps me.
I have those Everlane loafers, but in black. They are comfy and versatile, and I’ve even worn them with a T-shirt dress, something I wouldn’t have done years ago when I side-eyed anything that wasn’t a heel. I’ve also been stalking consignment sites for a couple years now, hoping to score a well-priced used Gucci pair. I don’t know why, but their Jordans just seem so cool.
Thank you — love the blush Sperrys! Also, just FYI, I posted a comment last week about the challenge of trouser-shape shifts — which probably made little sense to anyone else — and now here’s an article that clarifies and validates what I was trying to say! These seismic silhouette changes may be interesting, but they’re quite a budgetary and fitting hassle … (-;
https://qz.com/quartzy/1372046/experts-agree-were-in-the-midst-of-a-paradigm-shift-in-womens-pants/amp/
If possible, I would just ignore it, unless you affirmatively like this “new” cut. When you find pants you like, buy a bunch and just hunker down.
I often wear *men’s* pants these days bc I refuse to go cropped. (Not all the time – I actually think crops look quite nice, they are just not convenient.) I am not kidding – it’s tough to find full length women’s pants. Darnedest thing. And this new style won’t suit me, wide legs don’t fit me right. I spent most of the 90s in men’s tees, I had hoped it was behind me. Not that there is anything wrong with wearing “men’s” clothing! Soon it will probably be against the law to call it that. Ah, well.
Need advice from all of you: I have a gorgeous pair just like the first pair but I’ve never worn them because I’m not quite sure what kind of outfit works. Pants? Jeans? What kind of shirt? I don’t know why I have such an issue with this one pair of shoes!! Thanks!
Here’s my 2 cents, Jeanne: Ankle length jeans, a white tee and a great cardigan (texture, plain, color, long, short…whatever you’re partial to!) for a casual look. Or trouser jeans, a turtleneck and a wool blazer for a slightly dressier look
Thanks!
I have a pair of Louise et Cie shoes and LOVE them. They are really slippery, though, so I had to have no skid pads attached to the bottom. That last pair in Rosewood is gorgeous.
I’m a big fan of driving mocs, and I always craved a pair of nubuck Tods. The price is a hell of a lot friendlier on these, tho! And the Doc Martins are very appealing, but I worry that my big feet will look huge in them.
I just purchased a pair of red penny loafers from JCrew and they are a really good red.🍎
I just bought 2 pairs at Nordstrom Rack: all gold and a navy blue with a tassel. Can’t stop wearing them with ankle jeans.